Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
558. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the terms of reference of the newly established aquaculture licensing review group; if the review will involve a round of public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3200/17]
View answerOn 20 December 2016, I announced the appointment of a 3-person Independent Review Group to carry out a review of the aquaculture licensing process and associated legal framework. The Independent Review Group includes Ms Mary Moylan, chairperson, Dr Ken Whelan and Mr Lorcan Ó Cinnéide.
The Independent Review Group is presently inviting submissions from stakeholders. The Public Consultation was advertised in the Irish Independent on Tuesday 10 January 2017. Details of the Public Consultation and the Group’s terms of reference are hosted on the Fishingnet.ie website. The Public Consultation will close on the 10 February 2017.
The Objectives of the Review to identify changes required to the aquaculture licence process and its associated legal framework that will:
1. Deliver licence determinations in a timely manner, having regard to international best practice;
2. Support achievement of the actions and priorities of Food Wise 2025 and the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development;
3. Facilitate enhanced transparency in the licensing process for all stakeholders;
4. Ensure legally robust licence determinations having regard to EU and national law.
The Review is required to have regard to Government policy for the sustainable development of aquaculture, as outlined in Food Wise 2025 and my Department’s 2015 National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.
The review will encompass the aquaculture licensing process from pre-application stage to the determination of a licence. It will encompass all applications for a licence under existing legislation, including an aquaculture licence, a trial licence, a review of a licence or a renewal of a licence.
I have asked the Independent Review Group to report to me within 4 months with a concise report containing recommended actions.
